TODAY -

Dying Agriculture in Manipur : Suffering in silence
Need for good agricultural governance for modern Manipur

Professor N Mohendro Singh *



When the whole world is talking about innovation-driven economy, Manipur is talking about food deficit. We are reminded of the fact that political freedom and economic freedom are two sides of a coin; and food self-sufficiency is at the centre stage of economic freedom.

The image of a State goes with economic freedom. Telangana, the youngest State, has made farmers "Real Heroes" of development process by providing free power, free irrigation, annual input-subsidy of Rs 10,000 per acre and by waiving loans. Food grain production has increased 8 times. To-day the per capita income is Rs 2,78,833;--- one of the highest in the country.

The development experience of Manipur is marked by dispirited trend of dying agricultural sector with durable shortfall ranging from 107 mts of foodgrains in 2013-14 to 267 mts. in 2019-20 even after 68 years of economic planning in the State.

To our dismay and disappointment yield of rice recorded the decline from 2703.29 kg/ha in 2013-14 to 2192 kg/ha in 2019-20. To bridge the yawning gap the State may take about 25 years, given the present growth rate (NABARD).

The economic insecurity suffered by the small and marginal farmers remains high. Earning of small farmers is only 39 per cent of what medium holders earn and only 13 percent of what large farmers earn. The average monthly income of Rs 9861 of a agricultural household is too meagre to maintain a surplus for reinvestment.

Most of agricultural households in the State are not free from the burden of debt of about Rs 56,596 per household. Only 26% of agricultural households borrow from institutional sources. It is not a surprise that when land has lost productive capacity gradually, 40 per cent of small and marginal farmers is no longer interested in farming engagement; a symptom of suffering in silence.

Being totally rain fed, the operational holding of 1 ha (average) is too meagre to engage the agricultural household fully throughout the year. 80 percent is mono-cropped. Besides, the whole rural area is largely bereft of advantage of developed infrastructures. As such, to them it is a losing concern. They remain at the behest of poverty and deprivation.

Today the agricultural sector in the State is getting besieged and increasingly stifled with 7 (seven) visible constraints such as land degradation, lack of sufficient irrigation, increasing externalisation, climate change challenge, transfer of agri-land for non-agricultural purposes, lack of marketing infrastructures, heavy dependence upon unorganised- informal sources for credit and absence of farm planning.

The striking feature of the persistence of decelerating phenomenon is that it cannot capture meaningful intervention of Government. Agriculture is viewed for rural survival--as stigma of backwardness-- not as a major source of development of the economy.

The perception needs to be changed from mere rural livelihood to modern enterprise with farming being treated as industrial enterprise. A happy farmer is productive farmer. In fact, farmers also need advanced social and political background.

The impact of massive change in National scenario for doubling farmers' income has yet to be felt in Manipur. How far the State Government has acted on 7- point strategy announcedby Shri Narendra Modiji- comprising:

1. Enhanced focus on irrigation; "Per drop, More water";
2. Availability of quality seeds and nutrients;
3. Large scale investment in warehousing, cold chains and storage facilities;
4. Value-addition through food-processing;
5. Risk management through introduction of crop insurance;
6. Setting up of National market and
7. Promoting ancillary activities like poultry and fisheries

It is going to be an uphill task in States like Manipur where reform plan has yet to be placed. To achieve the target of doubling farmers' income we have to ensure the annual compound rate of growth of 10.4 percent, while at the moment it is hardly 4 percent in the country and in Manipur it is almost stagnant.

In this connection reference can be made to the multi-pronged strategy recommended by Inter-Ministerial Committee such as improvement in crop productivity, improvement in livestock productivity, resource use efficiency, increase in cropping intensity, diversification towards value added crops, improvement in real price received by farmers and shift from farm occupation to non-farm occupation. We have to pay equal attention to soil health, contract farming and development of wholesale market and Rural Periodical markets.

One of the greatest challenges is decline in crop yield due to climate change. We may experience the decline of 9% of the major crop yield during 2010-2039 in India in the absence of strategic intervention. The yield loss of rice may be up to 35 percent, 20 percent of wheat, 13 percent of barley and 60 percent of maize–depending upon the location-specific factors and climatic scenario. Manipur needs Green Accounting to assess environmental damages and changes in stocks of natural capital.

Regarding Manipur, first we have to strengthen agricultural administration for which we need a sound Agricultural Governance. When market fails, Government should step-in with a new culture of determination to break all speed breakers. Left to the whims of market imperfections, it may not be possible to step up growth in desirable direction.

Agriculture is a State subject. Manipur needs a home-grown Long-Term Agricultural Policy based on the institutional realities both in the valley and hills. Of course, we may make best possible attempt to take advantage of National scenario such as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM–Kisan), Pradhan Mantri Kisan Mandhan Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana etc.

Second, we should act on a multi-pronged strategy to spearhead Productivity Revolution of small and marginal farmers whose holdings constitute 83 per cent of operational holdings.

Third, TOP-Revolution should be essential component of productivity revolution of agricultural sector (T=Tomato, O=Onion and P=Potato). "Horticulture increases returns on land about 10 fold." (World Development Report, 2008, p-58).

Fourth, we have to put in place a strong mechanism to tackle the chronic issue of cost-disability and mounting concern of externalisation.

Fifth, a time has definitely come for Manipur to implement Manipur State Water Policy, 2015 – published by Irrigation & Flood Control, Government of Manipur, to ensure water security/irrigation security.

Sixth, based on Area Specialisation Index the State needs Special Agricultural Zone for quality product for export. This calls for strengthening marketing infrastructures.

Seventh, land is mother of all development programmes---more so of agriculture. To check the transfer of agri-land for non-agricultural purposes, Manipur needs New Land Use Policy to be put in place with seriousness. Land scarcity is going to be a serious challenge in near future. Decision without determination has no meaning.

Remember, 'no agriculture, no Manipur' in view of its critical forward and backward linkages. What we need is pro-active policy intervention; not reaction to bubbles of transitory concerns.

For successful and sustained productivity revolution of farm sector, Manipur needs a sound Agricultural Governance, the sine-qua-non for food self sufficiency. Now the Department of Agriculture should act with a creative visualisation--Agriculture for Modern Manipur.


* Professor N Mohendro Singh wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was webcasted on July 11 2022 .



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025